Pyelonephritis - diagnosis and treatment of the kidneys
Pyelonephritis is an infectious and inflammatory kidney disease that affects the renal parenchyma, calyces, pelvis, and tubules. The inflammatory process is most often caused by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, and other microorganisms. The disease can be acute or chronic and can affect one or both kidneys.
Urologists at the K+31 Clinic perform a comprehensive diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient, using modern laboratory and instrumental examination methods.
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Symptoms of pyelonephritis
Acute pyelonephritis
The disease develops rapidly and is accompanied by severe intoxication:
- Severe lower back pain (unilateral or bilateral)
- Fever up to 39–40°C
- Chills and profuse sweating
- Loss of strength, headache
- Nausea, progressing to vomiting
- Cloudy and dark urine
- Painful and frequent urination
- Thirst, bloating
If left untreated, toxic shock syndrome may develop, with a sharp drop in blood pressure, tachycardia, and pale skin.
Chronic pyelonephritis
Often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during examination for another reason:
- Weakness, increased fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Dull pain in the lower back
- Frequent urination
- Periodic increase in temperature to 37.2–37.5°C
Periodic exacerbations provoke tissue scarring, which eventually leads to chronic renal failure.
Diagnostics at the K+31 clinic
If pyelonephritis is suspected, you should consult a urologist or nephrologist. K+31 specialists prescribe a range of tests:
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A general urine analysis reveals elevated white blood cell counts and bacteriuria.
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Nechiporenko's urine test determines the extent of the lesion and possible complications.
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Urine bacteriological testing identifies the pathogen and determines antibiotic sensitivity.
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A complete blood count and biochemistry profile detect inflammation and assess kidney function (creatinine, urea)
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Ultrasound of the kidneys and urinary tract – identifies parenchymal edema and structural changes.
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Dopplerography assesses blood flow in the renal vessels.
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CT or MRI scans — if necessary to clarify the diagnosis and rule out complications.
Treatment of pyelonephritis
The approach to therapy depends on the form and severity of the disease.
Conservative treatment
- Antibacterial therapy is the mainstay of treatment. The drug is selected based on the results of a bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed until the results are available.
- Detoxification therapy — intravenous fluid administration to reduce intoxication
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents — to relieve pain
- Phytotherapy — as a supplement to the main course (herbal uroseptics)
- Diet therapy — limiting salt and protein intake, avoiding alcohol and spicy foods; drinking plenty of fluids (1.5–2.5 liters of fluid per day)
Surgical treatment
Indicated for complicated cases: kidney abscess, carbuncle, apostematous nephritis, urinary tract obstruction. Urologists at K+31 perform minimally invasive interventions, including drainage of purulent foci and restoration of urine flow.
General information
Prevention
- Timely and complete treatment of urinary tract infections (cystitis, urethritis)
- Adequate fluid intake – at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day
- Regular bladder emptying without prolonged urinary retention
- Avoiding hypothermia
- Monitoring diabetes and other chronic diseases
- Annual preventive examination (kidney ultrasound, urinalysis)
- Strengthening the immune system: a balanced diet, physical activity
FAQ
Can pyelonephritis resolve on its own without treatment?
Which doctor should I see if I suspect pyelonephritis?
How long does treatment for pyelonephritis last?
Is hospitalization necessary?
Is pyelonephritis dangerous during pregnancy?
What diet should I follow for pyelonephritis?
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Causes and risk factors
The main cause of pyelonephritis is the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the kidney tissue. Infection enters the kidneys either ascending (through the ureters from the bladder) or hematogenously (through blood from other sites of infection).
Factors that increase the risk of developing pyelonephritis:
Pyelonephritis is common in women More often due to anatomical peculiarities—a shorter urethra facilitates the rapid spread of infection. In men, the disease is more often diagnosed in old age due to urodynamic disturbances.